Guatemala

In recent years, Nicaragua began sending individuals to minister in Guatemala. Partnerships developed, churches were planted, and today there are 8 UB congregations in this country. Several are in Guatemala City, and others are located in various regions of the country. Like many of our Central American ministries, most of these congregations minister to the poorest of the poor. The lead pastor in Guatemala is Pastor Francisco Najera, and the Nicaragua Conference supervises these congregations.

Overview Facts for Guatemala

• Population: 13 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Area: 108,890 sq km (42,043 sq miles)
• Major languages: Spanish, more than 20 indigenous languages
• Major religion: Christianity, indigenous Mayan beliefs
• Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 71 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos
• Main exports: Coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, meat, petroleum, cardamon
• GNI per capita: US $2,400 (World Bank, 2006)

Flag Description

There are three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band. The coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath.